A FORMER mayor has hailed volunteers and a range of organisations for their work in providing a Christmas dinner to elderly and lonely people.

Local organisations including East Thirsk Community Association, The Thirsk Rotary Club, Northallerton and District Round Table and Home Instead Senior Care teamed up to provide a free dinner to more than 50 residents on Christmas Day.

The Thirsk Community Association event at East Thirsk Community Hall featured Thirsk Royal British Legion Band playing Christmas carols during the meal and a sing-along.

The meal, which was supplied by Johnson’s of Thirsk and sponsored by Thirsk Rotary Club, Northallerton and District Round Table and local at home care provider Home Instead Senior Care, aims to alleviate isolation and loneliness over the festive period.

Thirsk councillor and chairperson of East Thirsk Community Association Cynthia Hesmondhalgh said: “It is great that with the help of local organisations we can continue to provide this festive meal every year.

"Christmas can be a very lonely time for some people.

"I’d like to thank everyone involved including the army of volunteers who gave up their time and did everything from setting the tables to serving the meal and of course the washing up.

"This really is becoming a fixture in the community’s social calendar, enabling older people to get together, enjoy good food, meet people and have a great time."

For details about the association or hall, call 07867-625700 or email bookings@eastthirsk.org.uk